Residents in Broadstairs are raising alarms over a proposal by UV Care Group to convert the Kent House care home into a 21-room house of multiple occupancy (HMO). With 39 letters of objection submitted, the primary concerns from the local community focus on expected increases in traffic and noise, particularly due to the property’s proximity to three schools: Charles Dickens, Dane Court, and Bromstone Primary. Residents argue that the plans, which the developer claims will be ‘largely car-free’, would exacerbate existing congestion, especially during school hours, jeopardizing accessibility for emergency and refuse vehicles. The local planning committee is currently deliberating on the proposal, following a previous attempt by the developers to create eight flats earlier this year. Although TDC’s policies typically restrict HMOs near each other, officials note that the unique circumstances in this case may allow for the conversion without significant harm to community character. Critics are scrutinizing the developer’s traffic survey, asserting that congestion and safety issues—particularly for pedestrians and cyclists—remain a pressing concern.
Key Takeaways
- Local residents strongly oppose the HMO conversion due to fears of increased traffic and noise.
- Concerns about illegal parking and safety risks during school hours are prominent among community objections.
- The planned development faces scrutiny from both residents and planning officials regarding its impact on the neighborhood’s character.
Community Concerns: Traffic and Noise Issues Unveiled
In Broadstairs, the proposed conversion of the Kent House care home into a 21-room House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) by UV Care Group is facing substantial backlash from the local community. With 39 letters of objection submitted, residents express increasing concerns about intensified traffic congestion and noise disturbances, particularly in a neighborhood primarily composed of elderly residents and situated near three schools—Charles Dickens, Dane Court, and Bromstone Primary. Although the developers insist their plans will be ‘largely car-free’ and considerate of adjacent properties, critics point out the ongoing issues with illegal parking during school peak hours, which they fear will exacerbate existing traffic challenges, potentially impeding access for emergency vehicles. The local planning committee is currently deliberating over the proposal, which had earlier aimed at transforming the site into eight flats before shifting to the HMO model. While Thanet District Council’s (TDC) policies typically discourage HMOs from clustering, officials assert that the absence of nearby HMOs would not detrimentally affect the community’s character. Nevertheless, dissenters question the accuracy of the traffic surveys conducted by the developers, noting visible congestion and risks posed to pedestrians and cyclists. This situation has ignited a broader dialogue regarding the integration of the proposed HMO with the existing lifestyle and infrastructure of the neighborhood.
Developer’s Response and Planning Committee’s Role
In response to the strong local opposition, UV Care Group has emphasized their commitment to addressing community concerns throughout the planning process. According to the developers, they have engaged with local stakeholders to explore potential mitigation strategies aimed at alleviating traffic and noise issues (Kent Online, 2024). The Planning Committee, tasked with evaluating the application, is expected to weigh community feedback heavily in their deliberations. Officials have acknowledged that while the development aligns with housing demands in Broadstairs, the community’s existing lifestyle and safety must also be factored into the decision-making. Furthermore, planning officers have proposed conducting an independent review of the traffic conditions around the site to ensure accurate data is considered before any approvals are granted. This proposal highlights the ongoing tension between meeting housing needs and preserving community integrity, as both developers and residents seek to find common ground amidst growing concerns about urban density in historically low-traffic areas (Isle of Thanet News, 2024). As discussions continue, the planning committee remains open to further public input, indicating a possibility for modifications to the proposal that could alleviate local concerns.
